U.S. patent application number 11/361444 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-26 for communications system, communications apparatus, and communication method.
Invention is credited to Tadashi Morita.
Application Number | 20060240776 11/361444 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37045281 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060240776 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morita; Tadashi |
October 26, 2006 |
Communications system, communications apparatus, and communication
method
Abstract
A communication system, a communication apparatus, and a
communication method are provided. A communications apparatus
includes a generation unit for generating a transmission message
sent to a different communications apparatus and effective for only
one transmission, a first communications units for communicating
with the different communications apparatus using Near Field
Communication, a second communications unit for communicating with
the different communications apparatus via a predetermined
communication channel, and a control unit for controlling the
communication functions. The second communications unit transmits
the transmission message generated by the generation unit and
receives a different transmission message transmitted from the
different communications apparatus via the predetermined
communication channel. The first communications unit receives a
message transmitted from the different communications apparatus and
transmits the different transmission message to the different
communications apparatus using Near Field Communication. The
control unit determines whether the message received by the first
communications unit is equal to the transmission message
transmitted by the second communications unit.
Inventors: |
Morita; Tadashi; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William E. Vaughn;Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLC
P.O. Box 1135
Chicago
IL
60690
US
|
Family ID: |
37045281 |
Appl. No.: |
11/361444 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/41.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/3829 20130101;
H04B 5/0062 20130101; H04B 5/02 20130101; G06Q 20/3674 20130101;
G06Q 20/382 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/041.1 |
International
Class: |
H04B 5/00 20060101
H04B005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 25, 2005 |
JP |
P2005-050660 |
Claims
1. A communications system comprising: a first communications
apparatus; and a second communications apparatus for communicating
with the first communications apparatus; wherein the first
communications apparatus includes generation means for generating a
transmission message to be sent to the second communications
apparatus and effective for only one transmission, first
communications means for directly communicating with the second
communications apparatus using Near Field Communication, second
communications means for indirectly communicating with the second
communications apparatus via a predetermined communication channel,
and control means for controlling communication functions of the
first and second communications means, and wherein the second
communications means transmits the transmission message generated
by the generation means to the second communications apparatus via
the predetermined communication channel and receives a different
transmission message transmitted from the second communications
apparatus via the predetermined communication channel, and wherein
the first communication means receives a communication message
transmitted from the second communications apparatus using Near
Field Communication and transmits the different transmission
message received by the second communication means to the second
communications apparatus using Near Field Communication, and
wherein the control means determines whether the communication
message received by the first communications means is equal to the
transmission message transmitted by the second communications
means.
2. A communications apparatus for communicating with a different
communications apparatus, comprising: generation means for
generating a transmission message to be sent to the different
communications apparatus and effective for only one transmission;
first communications means for directly communicating with the
different communications apparatus using Near Field Communication;
second communications means for indirectly communicating with the
different communications apparatus via a predetermined
communication channel; and control means for controlling
communication functions of the first and second communications
means; wherein the second communications means transmits the
transmission message generated by the generation means to the
different communications apparatus via the predetermined
communication channel and receives a different transmission message
transmitted from the different communications apparatus via the
predetermined communication channel, and wherein the first
communication means receives a communication message transmitted
from the different communications apparatus using Near Field
Communication and transmits the different transmission message
received by the second communication means to the different
communications apparatus using Near Field Communication, and
wherein the control means determines whether the communication
message received by the first communications means is equal to the
transmission message transmitted by the second communications
means.
3. The communications apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
second communications means indirectly communicates with the
different communications apparatus by transmitting and receiving
the transmission message and the different transmission message in
the form of an e-mail.
4. The communications apparatus according to claim 3, wherein first
and second mail servers transfer a received mail to a specified
destination, the communications apparatus accesses the first mail
server via the predetermined communication channel, and the
different communications apparatus accesses the second mail server
via the predetermined communication channel, and wherein the first
communication means further receives apparatus identification
information for identifying the different communications apparatus
and server identification information for identifying the second
mail server transmitted from the different communications apparatus
using Near Field Communication, and wherein the second
communications means transmits the transmission message to the
different communications apparatus by transmitting the transmission
message to the first mail server in the form of an e-mail including
the server identification information and the apparatus
identification information.
5. The communications apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
generation means generates a random number as the transmission
message.
6. The communications apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
communications apparatus includes a mobile communications
apparatus.
7. A communications method for use in a communications apparatus
for communicating with a different communications apparatus, the
communications apparatus including generation means for generating
a transmission message to be sent to the different communications
apparatus and effective for only one transmission, first
communications means for directly communicating with the different
communications apparatus using Near Field Communication, second
communications means for indirectly communicating with the
different communications apparatus via a predetermined
communication channel, and control means for controlling
communication functions of the first and second communications
means, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting, in the
second communications means, the transmission message generated by
the generation means to the different communications apparatus via
the predetermined communication channel and receiving a different
transmission message transmitted from the different communications
apparatus via the predetermined communication channel; receiving,
in the first communication means, a communication message
transmitted from the different communications apparatus using Near
Field Communication and transmitting the different transmission
message received by the second communication means to the different
communications apparatus using Near Field Communication; and
determining, in the control means, whether the communication
message received by the first communications means is equal to the
transmission message transmitted by the second communications
means.
8. A communications system comprising: a first communications
apparatus; and a second communications apparatus configured to
communicate with the first communications apparatus; wherein the
first communications apparatus includes a generation unit
configured to generate a transmission message to be sent to the
second communications apparatus and effective for only one
transmission, a first communications unit configured to directly
communicate with the second communications apparatus using Near
Field Communication, a second communications unit configured to
communicate with the second communications apparatus via a
predetermined communication channel, and a control unit configured
to control communication functions of the first and second
communications units, and wherein the second communications unit
transmits the transmission message generated by the generation unit
via the predetermined communication channel and receives a
different transmission message transmitted from the second
communications apparatus via the predetermined communication
channel, and wherein the first communication unit receives a
communication message transmitted from the second communications
apparatus using Near Field Communication and transmits the
different transmission message received by the second communication
unit to the second communications apparatus using Near Field
Communication, and wherein the control unit determines whether the
communication message received by the first communications unit is
equal to the transmission message transmitted by the second
communications unit.
9. A communications apparatus for communicating with a different
communications apparatus, comprising: a generation unit configured
to generate a transmission message to be sent to the different
communications apparatus and effective for only one transmission; a
first communications unit configured to directly communicate with
the different communications apparatus using Near Field
Communication; a second communications unit configured to
communicate with the different communications apparatus via a
predetermined communication channel; and a control unit configured
to control communication functions of the first and second
communications units; wherein the second communications unit
transmits the transmission message generated by the generation unit
via the predetermined communication channel and receives a
different transmission message transmitted from the different
communications apparatus via the predetermined communication
channel, and wherein the first communication unit receives a
communication message transmitted from the different communications
apparatus using Near Field Communication and transmits the
different transmission message received by the second communication
unit to the different communications apparatus using Near Field
Communication, and wherein the control unit determines whether the
communication message received by the first communications unit is
equal to the transmission message transmitted by the second
communications unit.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to Japanese Patent
Application JP 2005-050660 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on
Feb. 25, 2005, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to a communications system, a
communications apparatus, and a communication method and, in
particular, to a communications system, a communications apparatus,
and a communication method that solve a problem caused by storing
critical information on a card.
[0003] A system that allows a user to purchase goods using a credit
card, a debit card, or a card having an electronic money capability
is one of settlement systems that trade (settle) an electronic
value having the same value as money (hereinafter also simply
referred to as a value).
[0004] In a card settlement system, a user (customer) carries a
card on a daily basis. When trading the value, in some system, a
terminal installed in a store reads data stored on the user's card.
The readout data is transmitted to a card provider via a network
dedicated to the card provider to trade the value. In another
system, card information input from a terminal, such as user's cell
phone or a personal computer, is transmitted to a card provider via
a public network including the Internet to trade the value (refer
to, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication
No. 2002-183443 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 2001-175751).
[0005] Accordingly, the card contains critical information
including information such as a private key for identifying
(authenticating) the card (i.e., the user who holds the card) and
information about a value that the user currently holds. The card
provider verifies the authenticity of the card from the critical
information stored on the card and information input by the user,
and subsequently, carries out transfer of the value (i.e.,
settlement).
[0006] However, since critical information is stored on a card and
the card is carried by a user, there is a possibility that the user
could lose the card and the critical information stored on the card
leaks. Also, there is a possibility that the critical information
stored on the card could be skimmed.
SUMMARY
[0007] Accordingly, there are provided a communications system, a
communications apparatus, and a communication method that solve a
problem caused by storing critical information on a card.
[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
communications system includes a first communications apparatus,
and a second communications apparatus for communicating with the
first communications apparatus. The first communications apparatus
includes generation means for generating a transmission message to
be sent to the second communications apparatus and effective for
only one transmission, first communications means for directly
communicating with the second communications apparatus using Near
Field Communication, second communications means for indirectly
communicating with the second communications apparatus via a
predetermined communication channel, and control means for
controlling communication functions of the first and second
communications means. The second communications means transmits the
transmission message generated by the generation means to the
second communications apparatus via the predetermined communication
channel and receives a different transmission message transmitted
from the second communications apparatus via the predetermined
communication channel, the first communication means receives a
communication message transmitted from the second communications
apparatus using Near Field Communication and transmits the
different transmission message received by the second communication
means to the second communications apparatus using Near Field
Communication, and the control means determines whether the
communication message received by the first communications means is
equal to the transmission message transmitted by the second
communications means.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
communications apparatus for communicating with a different
communications apparatus includes generation means for generating a
transmission message to be sent to the different communications
apparatus and effective for only one transmission, first
communications means for directly communicating with the different
communications apparatus using Near Field Communication, second
communications means for indirectly communicating with the
different communications apparatus via a predetermined
communication channel, and control means for controlling
communication functions of the first and second communications
means. The second communications means transmits the transmission
message generated by the generation means to the different
communications apparatus via the predetermined communication
channel and receives a different transmission message transmitted
from the different communications apparatus via the predetermined
communication channel, the first communication means receives a
communication message transmitted from the different communications
apparatus using Near Field Communication and transmits the
different transmission message received by the second communication
means to the different communications apparatus using Near Field
Communication, and the control means determines whether the
communication message received by the first communications means is
equal to the transmission message transmitted by the second
communications means.
[0010] The second communications means can indirectly communicate
with the different communications apparatus by transmitting and
receiving the transmission message and the different transmission
message in the form of an e-mail.
[0011] First and second mail servers can transfer a received mail
to a specified destination, the communications apparatus can access
the first mail server via the predetermined communication channel,
and the different communications apparatus can access the second
mail server via the predetermined communication channel. The first
communication means can further receive apparatus identification
information for identifying the different communications apparatus
and server identification information for identifying the second
mail server transmitted from the different communications apparatus
using Near Field Communication, and the second communications means
can transmit the transmission message to the different
communications apparatus by transmitting the transmission message
to the first mail server in the form of an e-mail including the
server identification information and the apparatus identification
information.
[0012] The generation means can generate a random number as the
transmission message.
[0013] The communications apparatus can include a mobile
communications apparatus.
[0014] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, a communications method for use in a communications
apparatus for communicating with a different communications
apparatus is provided. The communications apparatus includes
generation means for generating a transmission message to be sent
to the different communications apparatus and effective for only
one transmission, first communications means for directly
communicating with the different communications apparatus using
Near Field Communication, second communications means for
indirectly communicating with the different communications
apparatus via a predetermined communication channel, and control
means for controlling communication functions of the first and
second communications means. The method includes the steps of
transmitting, in the second communications means, the transmission
message generated by the generation means to the different
communications apparatus via the predetermined communication
channel and receiving a different transmission message transmitted
from the different communications apparatus via the predetermined
communication channel, receiving, in the first communication means,
a communication message transmitted from the different
communications apparatus using Near Field Communication and
transmitting the different transmission message received by the
second communication means to the different communications
apparatus using Near Field Communication, and determining, in the
control means, whether the communication message received by the
first communications means is equal to the transmission message
transmitted by the second communications means.
[0015] According to the embodiments of the present invention, in
the second communications means, a transmission message generated
by the generation means is transmitted to the different
communications apparatus via the predetermined communication
channel and a different transmission message transmitted from the
different communications apparatus via the predetermined
communication channel is received. Additionally, in the first
communication means, a communication message transmitted from the
different communications apparatus is received using Near Field
Communication and the different transmission message received by
the second communication means is transmitted to the different
communications apparatus using Near Field Communication.
Furthermore, the control means determines whether the communication
message received by the first communications means is equal to the
transmission message transmitted by the second communications
means.
[0016] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the
problems caused by storing critical information in a card can be
solved.
[0017] Additional features and advantages are described herein, and
will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a
communication system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the communication system shown
in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a replenishment
process in the communication system.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a continuation of the flow diagram of FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a process to purchase
goods in the communication system.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a continuation of the flow diagram of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
communication system (e.g., a communications system 1 shown in FIG.
2) includes a first communication apparatus (e.g., a personal
terminal 11 shown in FIG. 2) and a second communication apparatus
for communicating with the first communication apparatus (e.g., a
merchant's terminal 21 shown in FIG. 2). The first communication
apparatus includes generation means (e.g., the random number
generation unit 41 shown in FIG. 2) for generating a transmission
message to be sent to the second communications apparatus and
effective for only one transmission, first communications means
(e.g., the NFC I/F 42 shown in FIG. 2) for directly communicating
with the second communications apparatus using Near Field
Communication, second communications means (e.g., the
communications unit 44 shown in FIG. 2) for indirectly
communicating with the second communications apparatus via a
predetermined communication channel, and control means (e.g., the
control unit 46 shown in FIG. 2) for controlling communication
functions of the first and second communications means. The second
communications means transmits the transmission message generated
by the generation means to the second communications apparatus via
the predetermined communication channel and receives a different
transmission message transmitted from the second communications
apparatus via the predetermined communication channel, the first
communication means receives a communication message transmitted
from the second communications apparatus using Near Field
Communication and transmits the different transmission message
received by the second communication means to the second
communications apparatus using Near Field Communication, and the
control means determines whether the communication message received
by the first communications means is equal to the transmission
message transmitted by the second communications means.
[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
communications method for use in a communications apparatus (e.g.,
the personal terminal 11 shown in FIG. 2) for communicating with a
different communications apparatus (e.g., the merchant's terminal
21 shown in FIG. 21) is provided. The communications apparatus
includes generation means (e.g., the random number generation unit
41 shown in FIG. 2) for generating a transmission message to be
sent to the different communications apparatus and effective for
only one transmission, first communications means (e.g., the NFC
I/F 42 shown in FIG. 2) for directly communicating with the
different communications apparatus using Near Field Communication,
second communications means (e.g., the communications unit 44 shown
in FIG. 2) for indirectly communicating with the different
communications apparatus via a predetermined communication channel,
and control means (e.g., the control unit 46 shown in FIG. 2) for
controlling communication functions of the first and second
communications means. The method includes the steps of
transmitting, in the second communications means, the transmission
message generated by the generation means to the different
communications apparatus via the predetermined communication
channel (e.g., the process at step S105 shown in FIG. 3) and
receiving a different transmission message transmitted from the
different communications apparatus via the predetermined
communication channel (e.g., the process at step S106 shown in FIG.
3), receiving, in the first communication means, a communication
message transmitted from the different communications apparatus
using Near Field Communication (e.g., the process at step S108
shown in FIG. 3) and transmitting the different transmission
message received by the second communication means to the different
communications apparatus using Near Field Communication (e.g., the
process at step S107 shown in FIG. 3), and determining, in the
control means, whether the communication message received by the
first communications means is equal to the transmission message
transmitted by the second communications means (e.g., the process
at step S109 shown in FIG. 3).
[0026] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are now
herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communications system
according to an embodiment of the present invention. As used
herein, the term "system" refers to a logical combination of a
plurality of apparatuses regardless of whether all the apparatuses
are incorporated in one casing or not.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, a communications system 1 is a system
that provides a credit settlement service for settling a value
using an e-mail service (short message service (SMS)).
[0029] As used herein, the term "credit settlement service" refers
to a service in which, for example, a user (customer) who purchases
goods and a store which sells the goods check their credibility
(authenticity) with each other, and subsequently, a settlement of
the purchase is made by using a value. Accordingly, the user can
purchase the goods by exchanging a value with the goods within the
range of the value loaded (charged) in advance. In this embodiment,
the value is represented in the form of electronic money.
[0030] A personal terminal (mobile communications apparatus) 11
(e.g., cell phone or personal digital assistant (PDA)) of a user
(customer) X can access a mail (transfer) server 14 provided by a
telecommunications carrier B to which the user X has subscribed via
a base station 12 and a telephone network 13, and can perform
communication (transmission and reception of an e-mail).
[0031] The telecommunications carrier B provides a mail (short
message) service to the subscribers. That is, the mail server 14
(hereinafter also referred to as a "telecommunications carrier-B
server 14") transmits (transfers) a mail (short message) received
from a terminal of a user who has subscribed to the
telecommunications carrier B to a specified destination.
[0032] The user X has made an agreement of a mail transfer service
with the telecommunications carrier B. The user X has also made an
agreement with a bank D to notify the user X of an available
balance in an electronic money account of the user X and to carry
out electronic fund transfer of a certain amount of money in
response to a request (instruction message) from the user X by
e-mail.
[0033] Accordingly, for example, upon receiving, from the personal
terminal 11, a mail requesting a fund transfer of a certain amount
of electronic money, the mail server 14 of the telecommunications
carrier B transmits a mail (i.e., instruction message) to a bank
account server 15 (hereinafter also referred to as a "bank
account-D server 15") to instruct a fund transfer of the certain
amount of money.
[0034] Additionally, for example, when the mail server 14 of the
telecommunications carrier B receives, from the personal terminal
11, a mail to be transferred to a merchant's terminal 21 of a store
Y which is a subscriber of another telecommunications carrier A,
the mail server 14 transmits (transfers) this received mail to a
mail server 23 of the telecommunications carrier A. Furthermore,
when the mail server 14 receives a mail to be transferred to the
personal terminal 11 from the mail server 23 of the
telecommunications carrier A, the mail server 14 transmits
(transfers) this received mail to the personal terminal 11.
[0035] The telecommunications carrier B provides its subscriber
(the personal terminal 11 of the user X) with a unique
identification (ID) number or a communication connection number for
identifying the subscriber, and an ID for identifying the
telecommunications carrier B. In this embodiment, the
telecommunications carrier B provides the user X with a personal
terminal ID as an ID for identifying the user X and a
telecommunications carrier ID.sub.B as an ID for identifying the
telecommunications carrier B.
[0036] Additionally, the mail server 14 of the telecommunications
carrier B stores the personal terminal ID provided to the user X by
the telecommunications carrier B, a mail address of the user X, and
information about a bank account of the user X in the bank D. The
personal terminal ID has a one-to-one correspondence to the mail
address and the information about the bank account.
[0037] The bank account server 15 of the bank D executes checking
of the balance in the account and fund transfer of a predetermined
amount in response to a request from the mail server 14 of the
telecommunications carrier B by e-mail.
[0038] For example, when the bank account server 15 of the bank D
receives a mail that instructs the bank account server 15 to check
a balance in the account of the user X from the mail server 14 of
the telecommunications carrier B, the bank account server 15
transmits (returns) the balance in the account of the user X to the
mail server 14.
[0039] Additionally, for example, when the bank account server 15
of the bank D receives a mail that instructs to transfer a
specified amount of money to an account of the store Y in a bank C,
which is described below, from the mail server 14 of the
telecommunications carrier B, the bank account server 15 transfers
that specified amount of money to a bank account server 24 of the
bank C.
[0040] The personal terminal 11 can operate in Near Field
Communication (NFC) and can communicate with another NFC
communications apparatus (e.g., NFC communications apparatus 21a)
using carrier waves of a single frequency and electromagnetic
induction.
[0041] Here, the personal terminal 11 and the NFC communications
apparatus 21a can use, for example, a frequency of 13.56 MHz in the
ISM (Industrial Scientific Medical) band as a frequency of the
carrier waves.
[0042] The term "Near Field Communication" refers to a
communication between communications apparatuses located within a
distance of a few tens of centimeters including a communication
when the bodies of the communications apparatuses are in contact
with each other.
[0043] The user X can replenish the electronic money at the store Y
having the NFC communications apparatus 21a by paying cash. In
addition, the user X can purchase goods at the store Y using
electronic money.
[0044] In this case, the personal terminal 11 communicates data for
the trade of electronic money with the NFC communications apparatus
21a connected to the merchant's terminal 21 using Near Field
Communication.
[0045] The merchant's terminal 21 installed in the store Y
transmits the data received by the NFC communications apparatus 21a
to the mail (transfer) server 23 of the telecommunications carrier
A to which the store Y has subscribed.
[0046] The telecommunications carrier A provides a subscriber with
a mail (short message) service. That is, the mail server 23
(hereinafter also referred to as a "telecommunications carrier-A
server 23") of the telecommunications carrier A transmits
(transfers) a mail (short message) received from a terminal of a
user who has subscribed to the telecommunications carrier A to a
specified destination.
[0047] The store Y has made an agreement of a mail transfer service
with the telecommunications carrier A. The store Y has also made an
agreement with the bank C to notify the store Y of an available
cash balance in an account of the store Y and to pay a certain
amount of money by electronic fund transfer in response to a
request from store Y by e-mail.
[0048] Like the telecommunications carrier B, the
telecommunications carrier A provides its subscriber (the
merchant's terminal 21 of the store Y) with a unique identification
(ID) number or a communication connection number for identifying
the subscriber, and an ID for identifying the telecommunications
carrier A. Here, the telecommunications carrier A provides the
store Y with a merchant's terminal ID as an ID for identifying the
store Y and a telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A as an ID for
identifying the telecommunications carrier A.
[0049] Additionally, the mail server 23 of the telecommunications
carrier A stores the merchant's terminal ID provided to the store Y
by the telecommunications carrier A, a mail address of the store Y,
and information about a bank account of the store Y in the bank C.
The merchant's terminal ID has a one-to-one correspondence to the
mail address and the information about the bank account.
[0050] Like the bank account server 15 of the bank D, the bank
account server 24 (hereinafter also referred to as a "bank
account-C server 24") of the bank C executes checking of a cash
balance in the account and fund transfer of a predetermined amount
in response to a request from the mail server 23 of the
telecommunications carrier A by e-mail.
[0051] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the communications system 1
shown in FIG. 1, which includes detailed block diagrams of the
personal terminal 11 and the merchant's terminal 21. In FIG. 2,
identical elements to those illustrated and described in relation
to FIG. 1 are designated by identical reference numerals, and
therefore, descriptions are not repeated.
[0052] The personal terminal 11 of the user X includes a random
number generation unit 41, an NFC interface (I/F) 42, a data input
and display unit 43, a communications unit 44, a memory 45, and a
control unit 46.
[0053] The random number generation unit 41 generates a
predetermined random number R.sub.x as needed and delivers it to
the NFC I/F 42.
[0054] The NFC I/F 42 directly communicates data with an NFC I/F 52
of the merchant's terminal 21 using Near Field Communication.
[0055] The NFC I/F 42, for example, transmits the following
information to the NFC I/F 52: a personal terminal ID for
identifying the personal terminal 11 of the user X and a
telecommunications carrier ID.sub.B for identifying the mail server
14 of the telecommunications carrier B to be accessed by the
personal terminal 11. In contrast, the NFC I/F 42, for example,
receives the following information from the NFC I/F 52: a
merchant's terminal ID for identifying the merchant's terminal 21
of the store Y and a telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A for
identifying the mail server 23 of the telecommunications carrier A
to be accessed by the merchant's terminal 21.
[0056] From the viewpoint of the personal terminal 11, the
merchant's terminal 21 is an external terminal which the personal
terminal 11 accesses using Near Field Communication. From the
viewpoint of the merchant's terminal 21, the personal terminal 11
is an external terminal which the merchant's terminal 21 accesses
using Near Field Communication. Accordingly, the personal terminal
ID for identifying the personal terminal 11 and the merchant's
terminal ID for identifying the merchant's terminal 21 are
information about external terminals for identifying the other
sides of the communication for the merchant's terminal 21 and the
personal terminal 11.
[0057] Furthermore, the NFC I/F 42 delivers a random number Rx
generated by the random number generation unit 41 to the
communications unit 44 together with the merchant's terminal ID and
the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A received from the NFC I/F
52 of the merchant's terminal 21.
[0058] The data input and display unit 43 includes, for example, an
input unit having numeric keys, character keys, a keyboard, a
mouse, and a touch panel, and a display unit having a liquid
crystal display (LCD). The data input and display unit 43 receives
an instruction message from the user X and displays data delivered
from the communications unit 44.
[0059] Additionally, the data input and display unit 43 delivers
the instruction message received from the user X to the
communications unit 44.
[0060] In this embodiment, examples of the instruction message
include a fund transfer instruction of a purchased amount M' for
purchasing goods, while examples of the data delivered from the
communications unit 44 include a replenished amount M of electronic
money.
[0061] The communications unit 44 transmits data delivered from the
NFC I/F 42 or the data input and display unit 43 (e.g., the random
number R.sub.X and the instruction message) to the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14 in the form of an e-mail via
the telephone network 13 or the like. Additionally, the
communications unit 44 delivers mail data received from the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14 to the NFC I/F 42 or the
data input and display unit 43.
[0062] The memory 45 stores the communication data between the
communications unit 44 and the telecommunications carrier-B server
14 for a predetermined period of time. The memory 45 also stores
the personal terminal ID and the telecommunications carrier
ID.sub.B provided by the telecommunications carrier B.
[0063] The control unit 46 includes, for example, a central
processing unit (CPU). The control unit 46 controls components of
the personal terminal 11. For example, the control unit 46 controls
the communication functions of the NFC I/F 42 or the communications
unit 44.
[0064] The merchant's terminal 21 of the store Y includes a random
number generation unit 51, the NFC I/F 52, a data input and display
unit 53, a communications unit 54, a memory 55, and a control unit
56. It is noted that the NFC communications apparatus 21a connected
to the merchant's terminal 21 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the
NFC I/F 52 shown in FIG. 2.
[0065] The random number generation unit 51 generates a
predetermined random number R.sub.y as needed and delivers it to
the NFC I/F 52.
[0066] The NFC I/F 52 directly communicates data with the NFC I/F
42 of the personal terminal 11 using Near Field Communication.
[0067] As described above, the NFC I/F 52, for example, transmits
the following information to the NFC I/F 42: a merchant's terminal
ID for identifying the merchant's terminal 21 of the store Y and a
telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A for identifying the mail server
23 of the telecommunications carrier A to be accessed by the
merchant's terminal 21. In contrast, the NFC I/F 52, for example,
receives the following information from the NFC I/F 42: a personal
terminal ID for identifying the personal terminal 11 of the user X
and a telecommunications carrier ID.sub.B for identifying the mail
server 14 of the telecommunications carrier B to be accessed by the
personal terminal 11.
[0068] Furthermore, the NFC I/F 52 delivers a random number R.sub.Y
generated by the random number generation unit 51 to the
communications unit 54 together with the personal terminal ID and
the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.B received from the NFC I/F
42 of the personal terminal 11.
[0069] The data input and display unit 53 includes an input unit
having numeric keys, character keys, a keyboard, a mouse, and a
touch panel, and a display unit having a liquid crystal display
(LCD). The data input and display unit 43 receives an instruction
message from a store personnel operating the merchant's terminal 21
in the store Y and displays data delivered from the communications
unit 54.
[0070] The data input and display unit 53 also delivers an
instruction message input by the store personnel to the
communications unit 54.
[0071] In this embodiment, examples of the instruction message
include a fund transfer instruction to transfer an amount M of
electronic money to be replenished, while examples of the data
delivered from the communications unit 54 include a purchased
amount M' for purchasing goods.
[0072] The communications unit 54 transmits data delivered from the
NFC I/F 52 or the data input and display unit 53 (e.g., the random
number R.sub.Y and the instruction message) to the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23 in the form of an e-mail via
the Internet 22. Additionally, the communications unit 54 delivers
mail data received from the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
to the NFC I/F 52 or the data input and display unit 53.
[0073] The memory 55 stores the communication data (communication
message) between the communications unit 54 and the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23 for a predetermined period
of time. The memory 55 also stores the merchant's terminal ID and
the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A provided by the
telecommunications carrier A.
[0074] The control unit 56 includes, for example, a central
processing unit (CPU). The control unit 56 controls components of
the merchant's terminal 21. For example, the control unit 56
controls the communication functions of the NFC I/F 52 or the
communications unit 54.
[0075] The operation of each block shown in FIG. 2 is now herein
described when the user X replenishes the amount M of electronic
money in the bank account of the user X in the bank D.
[0076] When the user X places his or her personal terminal 11 above
the NFC communications apparatus 21a of the merchant's terminal 21
at the store Y, the NFC I/F 42 communicates with the NFC I/F 52
using Near Field Communication to exchange terminal IDs and
telecommunications carrier information (hereinafter collectively
referred to as "exchange information").
[0077] That is, the NFC I/F 42 transmits the personal terminal ID
and the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.B to the NFC I/F 52,
while the NFC I/F 52 transmits the merchant's terminal ID and the
telecommunications carrier IDA to the NFC I/F 42.
[0078] The NFC I/F 52 of the merchant's terminal 21 then delivers a
random number R.sub.Y generated by the random number generation
unit 51, and the personal terminal ID and the telecommunications
carrier ID.sub.B received from the personal terminal 11 using Near
Field Communication to the communications unit 54;
[0079] Additionally, the user X informs a store personnel of the
amount M of electronic money to be replenished (hereinafter
referred to as "replenish amount M"). The store personnel then
inputs the amount M into the data input and display unit 53.
[0080] Upon receiving the input replenish amount M, the data input
and display unit 53 delivers it to the communications unit 54.
[0081] The communications unit 54 transmits the random number
R.sub.Y received from the NFC I/F 52 and the replenish amount M to
the telecommunications carrier-A server 23 in the form of an e-mail
which includes the personal terminal ID and the telecommunications
carrier ID.sub.B as a destination.
[0082] The telecommunications carrier-A server 23 requests the bank
account-C server 24 to check the balance in the account of the
store Y and determines whether a sufficient amount of money
(balance) to transfer the replenish amount M is available in the
account of the store Y. If a sufficient amount of money to transfer
the replenish amount M is available in the account of the store Y,
the telecommunications carrier-A server 23 makes an arrangement to
transfer the replenish amount M with the bank account-C server
24.
[0083] In addition, the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
transmits fund transfer arrangement information (fund transfer
guarantee information) indicating the result of fund transfer
arrangement and the random number R.sub.Y to the telecommunications
carrier-B server 14, which is identified by the telecommunications
carrier ID.sub.B, in the form of an e-mail which includes the
personal terminal ID as a destination.
[0084] The telecommunications carrier-B server 14 retrieves the
amount of money transfer (i.e., the replenish amount M), which is
transmitted from the merchant's terminal 21, from the fund transfer
arrangement information received from the telecommunications
carrier-A server 23 and stores the amount of money transfer inside
the telecommunications carrier-B server 14. Furthermore, the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14 transmits the fund transfer
arrangement information and the random number R.sub.Y received from
the telecommunications carrier-A server 23 to the communications
unit 44 of the personal terminal 11 identified by the personal
terminal ID in the form of an e-mail via, for example, the
telephone network 13.
[0085] Upon receiving the fund transfer arrangement information and
the random number R.sub.Y from the telecommunications carrier-A
server 23, the communications unit 44 delivers the fund transfer
arrangement information to the data input and display unit 43 and
delivers the random number RY to the NFC I/F 42.
[0086] The data input and display unit 43 displays information for
checking the replenish amount M on the basis of the fund transfer
arrangement information from the communications unit 44.
[0087] In contrast, the NFC I/F 42 of the personal terminal 11,
which has received the merchant's terminal ID and the
telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A using Near Field Communication,
delivers that information to the communications unit 44 together
with the random number R.sub.X delivered from the random number
generation unit 41.
[0088] The communications unit 44 delivers the random number
R.sub.X received from the NFC I/F 42 to the telecommunications
carrier-B server 14 via, for example, the telephone network 13
while specifying the merchant's terminal ID and the
telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A as a destination. The
telecommunications carrier-B server 14 transmits the random number
R.sub.X received from the communications unit 44 of the personal
terminal 11 to the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
identified by the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A in the form
of an e-mail including the merchant's terminal ID as a
destination.
[0089] The telecommunications carrier-A server 23 transmits the
random number R.sub.X received from the telecommunications
carrier-B server 14 to the communications unit 54 of the merchant's
terminal 21 identified by the merchant's terminal ID via the
Internet 22. The communications unit 54 of the merchant's terminal
21 transmits the random number R.sub.X received from the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23 to the NFC I/F 52.
[0090] The user checks the replenish amount M displayed on the data
input and display unit 43 of the personal terminal 11 and places
the personal terminal 11 above the NFC communications apparatus 21a
of the merchant's terminal 21 at the store Y again.
[0091] Thus, the NFC I/F 42 communicates with the NFC I/F 52 using
Near Field Communication. The NFC I/F 42 transmits the random
number R.sub.Y received from the communications unit 44 to the NFC
I/F 52, while the NFC I/F 52 transmits the random number R.sub.X
received from the communications unit 54 to the NFC I/F 42. That
is, the NFC I/F 42 and the NFC I/F 52 exchange the random numbers
R.sub.X and R.sub.Y.
[0092] The control unit 46 of the personal terminal 11 compares the
random number received from the NFC I/F 52 of the merchant's
terminal 21 by the NFC I/F 42 (i.e., the random number R.sub.X)
with the random number R.sub.X generated by the random number
generation unit 41 and transmitted from the communications unit 44
to the merchant's terminal 21. If these random numbers R.sub.X are
equal, the control unit 46 instructs the data input and display
unit 43 to display that information. Alternatively, the personal
terminal 11 may include a sound output unit for outputting, for
example, the sound of buzzer and the personal terminal 11 may
output the sound of buzzer when these random numbers RX are equal.
Thus, the user can recognize that information.
[0093] Additionally, the control unit 56 of the merchant's terminal
21 compares the random number received by the NFC I/F 52 from the
NFC I/F 42 of the personal terminal 11 (i.e., the random number
R.sub.Y) with the random number R.sub.Y generated by the random
number generation unit 51 and transmitted from the communications
unit 54 to the personal terminal 11. If these random numbers
R.sub.Y are equal, the control unit 56 instructs the data input and
display unit 53 to display that information. Alternatively, the
merchant's terminal 21 may include a sound output unit for
outputting, for example, the sound of buzzer and the merchant's
terminal 21 may output the sound of buzzer when these random
numbers R.sub.Y are equal. Thus, the user can recognize that
information.
[0094] After recognizing that the random numbers R.sub.X are equal
using the data input and display unit 43, the user X gives cash
corresponding to the replenish amount M to the store personnel.
[0095] Upon receiving the cash corresponding to the replenish
amount M, the store personnel inputs, to the data input and display
unit 53, an instruction to start a fund transfer of the replenish
amount M.
[0096] Upon receiving the instruction to start a fund transfer of
the replenish amount M, the data input and display unit 53 delivers
the fund transfer instruction to the communications unit 54. The
communications unit 54 transmits that fund transfer instruction
(instruction message) to the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
in the form of an e-mail via the Internet 22. The
telecommunications carrier-A server 23 transfers that fund transfer
instruction to the bank account-C server 24.
[0097] In response to the fund transfer instruction from the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23, the bank account-C server
24 transfers the replenish amount M from the account of the store Y
to the account of the user X in the bank account-D server 15.
[0098] It should be noted that the information about the account of
the user X (i.e., account to which fund is transferred) is acquired
(returned) from the telecommunications carrier-B server 14 when,
for example, the telecommunications carrier-A server 23 transmits
the fund transfer arrangement information of the replenish amount M
to the telecommunications carrier-B server 14. Alternatively, if
the telecommunications carrier A has traded with the user X before,
the telecommunications carrier-A server 23 may identify the account
of the user X from the transaction history.
[0099] The bank account-D server 15 receives the fund transferred
from the bank account-C server 24 and replenishes the replenish
amount M of electronic money in the account of the user X. That is,
the bank account-D server 15 increases the balance in the account
of the user X by the replenish amount M.
[0100] Additionally, the bank account-D server 15 sends an e-mail
including replenishment transaction information indicating that the
replenish amount M has been correctly replenished in the account of
the user X to the personal terminal 11 via the telecommunications
carrier-B server 14 and, for example, the telephone network 13. As
a result, that information is displayed on the data input and
display unit 43 of the personal terminal 11.
[0101] Furthermore, the bank account-D server 15 sends, to the bank
account-C server 24, an e-mail including fund transfer transaction
information indicating that the bank account-D server 15 has
correctly received the replenish amount M by the fund transfer. The
bank account-C server 24 transfers that e-mail to the merchant's
terminal 21 via the telecommunications carrier-A server 23 and, for
example, the Internet 22. The data input and display unit 53 of the
merchant's terminal 21 then displays the result of the fund
transfer of the replenish amount M (the result of the fund transfer
instruction) on the basis of the fund transfer transaction
information from the bank account-C server 24.
[0102] The operation of each block shown in FIG. 2 is now herein
described when the user X purchases goods costing the purchase
amount M' at the store Y using electronic money deposited in his or
her own account in the bank D.
[0103] The user X inputs the amount M' of money for purchased goods
(hereinafter referred to as "purchase amount M'") into the data
input and display unit 43 of the personal terminal 11. The data
input and display unit 43 receives the purchase amount M' input by
the user X and delivers it to the communications unit 44.
[0104] Additionally, the user X places his or her personal terminal
11 above the NFC communications apparatus 21a of the merchant's
terminal 21 at the store Y. As in the case for replenishing
electronic money, the NFC I/F 42 communicates with the NFC I/F 52
using Near Field Communication to exchange terminal IDs and
telecommunications carrier information (exchange information).
[0105] Subsequently, the NFC I/F 52 of the merchant's terminal 21
delivers a random number R.sub.Y generated by the random number
generation unit 51, and the personal terminal ID and the
telecommunications carrier ID.sub.B received from the personal
terminal 11 using Near Field Communication to the communications
unit 54.
[0106] The communications unit 54 transmits the random number
R.sub.Y received from the NFC I/F 52 to the telecommunications
carrier-A server 23 via the Internet 22 in the form of an e-mail
which includes the personal terminal ID and the telecommunications
carrier ID.sub.B as a destination.
[0107] The telecommunications carrier-A server 23 transmits the
random number R.sub.Y received from the merchant's terminal 21 to
the telecommunications carrier-B server 14 identified by the
telecommunications carrier ID.sub.B in the form of an e-mail which
includes the personal terminal ID as a destination. The
telecommunications carrier-B server 14 transmits the random number
R.sub.Y received from the telecommunications carrier-A server 23 to
the communications unit 44 of the personal terminal 11 identified
by the personal terminal ID via the telephone network 13 in the
form of an e-mail.
[0108] The communications unit 44 delivers the random number
R.sub.Y received from the telecommunications carrier-B server 14 to
the NFC I/F 42.
[0109] In addition, the NFC I/F 42 of the personal terminal 11,
which has received the merchant's terminal ID and the
telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A from the merchant's terminal 21
using Near Field Communication, delivers that information to the
communications unit 44 together with the random number R.sub.X
delivered from the random number generation unit 41.
[0110] The communications unit 44 transmits the random number
R.sub.X delivered from the NFC I/F 42 to the telecommunications
carrier-B server 14 together with the purchase amount M' via, for
example, the telephone network 13 in the form of an e-mail
including the merchant's terminal ID and the telecommunications
carrier ID.sub.A as a destination.
[0111] The telecommunications carrier-B server 14 requests the bank
account-D server 15 to check the balance in the account of the user
X and determines whether a sufficient amount (balance) to cover the
purchase amount M' to be transferred (or to be paid) is available
in the account of the user X. If it is determined that a sufficient
amount to cover the purchase amount M' is available in the account
of the user X, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14 makes an
arrangement with the bank account-D server 15 to transfer the
purchase amount M' from that account.
[0112] Additionally, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
transmits fund transfer arrangement information (fund transfer
guarantee information), which represents the result of the fund
transfer arrangement, and the random number R.sub.X to the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23 identified by the
telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A in the form of an e-mail
including the merchant's terminal ID as a destination.
[0113] The telecommunications carrier-A server 23 retrieves the
amount to be transferred (the purchase amount M') from the fund
transfer arrangement information transmitted from the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14 and stores it inside the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23. Furthermore, the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23 transmits the fund transfer
arrangement information and the random number R.sub.X transmitted
from the telecommunications carrier-B server 14 to the
communications unit 54 of the merchant's terminal 21 identified by
the merchant's terminal ID via the Internet 22.
[0114] Upon receiving the fund transfer arrangement information and
the random number R.sub.X from the telecommunications carrier-A
server 23, the communications unit 54 delivers the fund transfer
arrangement information to the data input and display unit 53 and
delivers the random number R.sub.X to the NFC I/F 52.
[0115] The data input and display unit 53 displays information for
checking the purchase amount M' on the basis of the fund transfer
arrangement information from the communications unit 54.
[0116] The store personnel confirms the purchase amount M'
displayed on the data input and display unit 53 and requests the
user X to place the personal terminal 11 above the NFC
communications apparatus 21a of the merchant's terminal 21 at the
store Y again.
[0117] When the user X places the personal terminal 11 above the
NFC communications apparatus 21a of the merchant's terminal 21 in
response to the store personnel's request, the NFC I/F 42
communicates with the NFC I/F 52 using Near Field Communication.
The NFC I/F 42 transmits the random number R.sub.Y received from
the communications unit 44 to the NFC I/F 52, while the NFC I/F 52
transmits the random number R.sub.X received from the
communications unit 54 to the NFC I/F 42. That is, the NFC I/F 42
and the NFC I/F 52 exchange the random numbers R.sub.X and
R.sub.Y.
[0118] The control unit 46 of the personal terminal 11 compares the
random number received from the NFC I/F 52 of the merchant's
terminal 21 by the NFC I/F 42 (i.e., the random number R.sub.X)
with the random number R.sub.X generated by the random number
generation unit 41 and transmitted from the communications unit 44
to the merchant's terminal 21. If these random numbers R.sub.X are
equal, the control unit 46 instructs the data input and display
unit 43 to display that information. Alternatively, the personal
terminal 11 may include a sound output unit for outputting, for
example, the sound of buzzer and the personal terminal 11 may
output the sound of buzzer when these random numbers R.sub.X are
equal. Thus, the user can recognize that information.
[0119] Additionally, the control unit 56 of the merchant's terminal
21 compares the random number received by the NFC I/F 52 from the
NFC I/F 42 of the personal terminal 11 (i.e., the random number
R.sub.Y) with the random number R.sub.Y generated by the random
number generation unit 51 and transmitted from the communications
unit 54 to the personal terminal 11. If these random numbers
R.sub.Y are equal, the control unit 56 instructs the data input and
display unit 53 to display that information. Alternatively, the
merchant's terminal 21 may include a sound output unit for
outputting, for example, the sound of buzzer and the merchant's
terminal 21 may output the sound of buzzer when these random
numbers R.sub.Y are equal. Thus, the user can recognize that
information.
[0120] After recognizing that the random numbers R.sub.X are equal
using the data input and display unit 43, the user X inputs an
instruction to transfer the purchase amount M' of money (fund
transfer) into the data input and display unit 43.
[0121] Upon receiving the fund transfer instruction for the
purchase amount M', the data input and display unit 43 delivers the
fund transfer instruction to the communications unit 44. The
communications unit 44 sends the fund transfer instruction
(instruction message) to the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
via, for example, the telephone network 13 in the form of an
e-mail. The telecommunications carrier-B server 14 then delivers
the e-mail to the bank account-D server 15.
[0122] In response to the fund transfer instruction from the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14, the bank account-D server
15 transfers the purchase amount M' from the account of the user X
to the account of the store Y in the bank account-C server 24.
[0123] It should be noted that the information about the account of
the store Y (i.e., account to which fund is transferred) is
acquired (returned) from the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
when, for example, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
transmits the fund transfer arrangement information of the purchase
amount M' to the telecommunications carrier-A server 23.
Alternatively, if the telecommunications carrier-B has traded with
the store Y before, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14 may
identify the account of the store Y from the transaction
history.
[0124] The bank account-C server 24 receives the fund transferred
from the bank account-D server 15 and replenishes the purchase
amount M' of electronic money in the account of the store Y. That
is, the bank account-C server 24 increases the balance in the
account of the store Y by the purchase amount M'.
[0125] Additionally, the bank account-C server 24 sends an e-mail
including replenishment transaction information indicating that the
purchase amount M' has been correctly replenished in the account of
the store Y to the merchant's terminal 21 via the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23 and the Internet 22. As a
result, that information is displayed on the data input and display
unit 53 of the merchant's terminal 21.
[0126] Furthermore, the bank account-C server 24 sends, to the bank
account-D server 15, an e-mail including fund transfer transaction
information indicating that the bank account-C server 24 has
correctly received the purchase amount M' by the fund transfer. The
bank account-D server 15 transfers that e-mail to the personal
terminal 11 via the telecommunications carrier-B server 14 and, for
example, the telephone network 13. The data input and display unit
43 of the personal terminal 11 then displays the result of the
payment of the purchase amount M' of electronic money (the result
of the fund transfer instruction) on the basis of the fund transfer
transaction information from the bank account-D server 15.
[0127] In the communications system 1 having such a configuration,
the random number generation unit 41 of the personal terminal 11
generates a random number R.sub.X that is effective for only one
transmission message. Thereafter, the communications unit 44
transmits the random number R.sub.X to the merchant's terminal 21
via a predetermined communication channel (e.g., the telephone
network 13 and the Internet 22) and receives a random number
R.sub.Y transmitted from the merchant's terminal 21 via the
predetermined communication channel. The NFC I/F 42 receives a
random number (message) transmitted from the NFC I/F 52 of the
merchant's terminal 21 using Near Field Communication and transmits
the random number R.sub.Y received by the communications unit 44 to
the NFC I/F 52 of the merchant's terminal 21 using Near Field
Communication. The control unit 46 determines whether the random
number received by the NFC I/F 42 is equal to the random number
R.sub.X transmitted from the communications unit 44 via the
predetermined communication channel.
[0128] The random number generation unit 51 of the merchant's
terminal 21 generates a random number R.sub.Y that is effective for
only one transmission message. Thereafter, the communications unit
54 transmits the random number R.sub.Y to the personal terminal 11
via a predetermined communication channel (e.g., the telephone
network 13 and the Internet 22) and receives a random number
R.sub.X transmitted from the personal terminal 11 via a
predetermined communication channel. The NFC I/F 52 receives a
random number (message) transmitted from the NFC I/F 42 of the
personal terminal 11 using Near Field Communication and transmits
the random number R.sub.X received by the communications unit 54 to
the NFC I/F 42 of the personal terminal 11 using Near Field
Communication. The control unit 56 determines whether the random
number received by the NFC I/F 52 is equal to the random number
R.sub.Y transmitted from the communications unit 54 via the
predetermined communication channel.
[0129] That is, each of the personal terminal 11 and the merchant's
terminal 21 indirectly transmits a transmission message via a
predetermined communication channel, and subsequently, checks
whether a message directly received via Near Field Communication is
equal to the transmission message transmitted indirectly.
[0130] In the above-described example, there is a one-to-one
correspondence between a unique terminal ID, which is provided by
the communications carrier to which a user (the user X or the store
Y) has subscribed, and a bank account (and mail address) that the
user has registered to the communications carrier. However, the
user may have the following two types of accounts: an account to
which the other party transfers electronic money (deposit account)
and an account from which the user transfers electronic money to
another account (withdrawal account). In addition, the unique
terminal ID provided by the communications carrier may be transient
and may be changed periodically.
[0131] This design further protects the user's anonymity from the
other party. In addition, periodically changing the deposit account
of the user further protects the user's anonymity. Thus, the user
can reduce spam mails transmitted to the mail address provided by
the mail service of the communications carrier to which the user
has subscribed.
[0132] That is, by using a third party (i.e., communications
carrier) as an agent, the user of the personal terminal 11 or the
merchant's terminal 21 cannot be identified directly.
[0133] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a flow diagram in the
communications system 1 shown in FIG. 2 when an amount M of
electronic money is replenished in a bank account of the user X in
the bank D.
[0134] At step S21, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
transmits, to the personal terminal 11 of the user X who has
subscribed various services provided by the telecommunications
carrier B, the personal terminal ID for identifying the personal
terminal 11 and the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.B for
identifying the telecommunications carrier B. At step S1, the
communications unit 44 of the personal terminal 11 receives this
information and stores it in the memory 45.
[0135] At step S81, the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
transmits, to the merchant's terminal 21 of the store Y who has
subscribed various services provided by the telecommunications
carrier A, the merchant's terminal ID for identifying the
merchant's terminal 21 and the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A
for identifying the telecommunications carrier A. At step S101, the
communications unit 54 of the merchant's terminal 21 receives this
information and stores it in the memory 55.
[0136] The processes at the above-described steps are executed in
advance when the user X and the store Y make an agreement on the
use of the various services with the telecommunications carrier B
and the telecommunications carrier A, respectively.
[0137] When the user X places the personal terminal 11 above the
NFC communications apparatus 21a of the merchant's terminal 21 at
the store Y in order to replenish the account with the amount M of
electronic money, the personal terminal 11, at step S2, transmits
the personal terminal ID and the telecommunications carrier
ID.sub.B to the merchant's terminal 21 using Near Field
Communication. At step S102, the merchant's terminal 21 receives
this information.
[0138] Additionally, at step S103, the merchant's terminal 21
transmits the merchant's terminal ID and the telecommunications
carrier ID.sub.A to the personal terminal 11 using Near Field
Communication. At step S3, the personal terminal 11 receives this
information. It is noted that either one of the process at steps S2
and S102 and the process at steps S103 and S3 may be executed
first. Alternatively, both the processes may be executed at the
same time.
[0139] When a store personnel inputs the replenish amount M into
the merchant's terminal 21, the merchant's terminal 21, at step
S104, receives the replenish amount M and generates a random number
R.sub.Y.
[0140] At step S105, the merchant's terminal 21 transmits the
generated random number R.sub.Y and the replenish amount M input by
the store personnel to the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
via the Internet 22 in the form of an e-mail including the personal
terminal ID and the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.B received
from the personal terminal 11 as a destination using Near Field
Communication.
[0141] At step S82, the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
receives the e-mail including the random number R.sub.Y and the
replenish amount M input from the merchant's terminal 21 and
including the personal terminal ID and the telecommunications
carrier ID.sub.B designated as destinations. At step S83, the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23 requests the bank account-C
server 24 to check a balance in the account of the store Y and
determines whether a sufficient amount of money (balance) to
transfer the replenish amount M is available in the account of the
store Y. Additionally, at step S83, the telecommunications
carrier-A server 23 makes an arrangement to transfer the replenish
amount M with the bank account-C server 24.
[0142] At step S61, the bank account-C server 24 receives the
arrangement to transfer the replenish amount M from the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23. The process then proceeds
to step S62, where the bank account-C server 24 transmits fund
transfer arrangement information indicating that the bank account-C
server 24 accepts the arrangement to transfer the replenish amount
M to the telecommunications carrier-A server 23 in the form of an
e-mail.
[0143] At step S84, the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
receives the mail including the fund transfer arrangement
information from the bank account-C server 24. The process then
proceeds to step S85, where the telecommunications carrier-A server
23 transmits the fund transfer arrangement information and the
random number R.sub.Y to the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
identified by the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.B in the form
of an e-mail including the personal terminal ID as a
destination.
[0144] At step S22, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
receives the e-mail including the fund transfer arrangement
information and the random number R.sub.Y from the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23. The process then proceeds
to step S23, where the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
transmits the received mail to the personal terminal 11 identified
by the personal terminal ID via, for example, the telephone network
13.
[0145] At step S4, the personal terminal 11 receives the e-mail
including the fund transfer arrangement information and the random
number R.sub.Y from the telecommunications carrier-B server 14. The
process then proceeds to step S5, where the personal terminal 11
displays the replenish amount M for the user to confirm it on the
basis of the fund transfer arrangement information.
[0146] At step S6, the personal terminal 11 generates a random
number R.sub.X. The process then proceeds to step S7, where the
personal terminal 11 transmits the generated random number R.sub.X
to the telecommunications carrier-B server 14 via the Internet 22
in the form of an e-mail including the merchant's terminal ID and
the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A received at step S3 as a
destination.
[0147] At step S24, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
receives the e-mail including the random number R.sub.X from the
personal terminal 11. The process then proceeds to step S25, where
the telecommunications carrier-B server 14 transmits the e-mail
including the merchant's terminal ID as a destination to the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23 identified by the
telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A.
[0148] At step S86, the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
receives the e-mail including the random number R.sub.X from the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14. The process then proceeds
to step S87, where the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
transmits the e-mail to the merchant's terminal 21 identified by
the merchant's terminal ID via the Internet 22.
[0149] At step S106, the merchant's terminal 21 receives the e-mail
including the random number R.sub.X from the telecommunications
carrier-A server 23.
[0150] Either the series of the processes at steps S104, S105, S82,
S83, S61, S62, S84, S85, S22, S23, S4, and S5 or the series of the
processes of steps S6, S7, S24, S25, S86, S87, and S106 may be
executed first. Also, both may be executed at the same time. In
other words, the personal terminal 11 can execute the process at
step S6 immediately after it executes the process at step S3.
[0151] The user confirms the replenish amount M displayed on the
personal terminal 11 at step S5 and places the personal terminal 11
above the merchant's terminal 21 at the store Y again.
[0152] Thus, the personal terminal 11 and the merchant's terminal
21 exchange the random number R.sub.X and the random number
R.sub.Y. That is, the merchant's terminal 21, at step S107,
transmits the random number R.sub.X to the personal terminal 11
using Near Field Communication, while the personal terminal 11, at
step S8, receives the random number R.sub.X. Also, the personal
terminal 11, at step S9, transmits the random number R.sub.Y to the
merchant's terminal 21 using Near Field Communication, while the
merchant's terminal 21, at step S108, receives the random number
R.sub.Y. Either one of the process at steps S107 and S8 and the
process at steps S9 and S108 may be executed first. Alternatively,
both the processes may be executed at the same time.
[0153] After the process at step S9 is completed, the personal
terminal 11, at step S10, compares the random number received from
the merchant's terminal 21 by using Near Field Communication (i.e.,
the random number R.sub.X) with the random number R.sub.X generated
by itself (the random number generation unit 41) and transmitted to
the merchant's terminal 21 via the telecommunications carrier B.
The personal terminal 11 then displays the result of the comparison
on the data input and display unit 43.
[0154] After the process at step S108 is completed, the merchant's
terminal 21, at step S109, compares the random number received from
the personal terminal 11 using Near Field Communication (i.e., the
random number R.sub.Y) with the random number R.sub.Y generated by
itself (the random number generation unit 51) and transmitted to
the personal terminal 11 via the telecommunications carrier A. The
merchant's terminal 21 then displays the result of the comparison
on the data input and display unit 53.
[0155] The user X confirms that these two random numbers R.sub.X
are equal, and subsequently, gives cash corresponding to the
replenish amount M to the store personnel. Upon receiving the cash
corresponding to the replenish amount M, the store personnel
inputs, to the merchant's terminal 21, an instruction to start a
fund transfer of the replenish amount M.
[0156] At step S110, the merchant's terminal 21 receives the
instruction to start a find transfer of the replenish amount M in
response to the input of the find transfer instruction from the
store personnel. The process then proceeds to step S111, where the
merchant's terminal 21 transmits an e-mail including fund transfer
instruction of the replenish amount M to the telecommunications
carrier-A server 23 via the Internet 22.
[0157] At step S88, the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
receives the e-mail including the fund transfer instruction from
the merchant's terminal 21. The process then proceeds to step S89,
where the telecommunications carrier-A server 23 transmits the
received e-mail to the bank account-C server 24.
[0158] At step S63, the bank account-C server 24 receives the
e-mail including the fund transfer instruction from the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23. At step S64, in response to
the fund transfer instruction, the bank account-C server 24
transfers the replenish amount M from the account of the store Y to
the account of the user X in the bank account-D server 15.
[0159] At step S41, the bank account-D server 15 accepts the fund
transfer of the replenish amount M from the bank account-C server
24. The process then proceeds to step S42, where the bank account-D
server 15 replenishes the account of the user X with the replenish
amount M of electronic money.
[0160] At step S43, the bank account-D server 15 transmits, to the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14, an e-mail including the
replenishment transaction information indicating that the replenish
amount M has been correctly replenished in the account of the user
X.
[0161] At step S26, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
receives the e-mail including the replenishment transaction
information from the bank account-D server 15. The process then
proceeds to step S27, where the telecommunications carrier-B server
14 transmits the e-mail to the personal terminal 11 via, for
example, the telephone network 13.
[0162] At step S11, the personal terminal 11 receives the e-mail
including the replenishment transaction information from the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14. At step S12, the personal
terminal 11 displays the result of the fund transfer of the
replenish amount M of electronic money (the balance in the account
of the user X in the bank D) on the basis of the replenishment
transaction information.
[0163] Additionally, after the process at step S43 is completed,
the bank account-D server 15, at step S44, transmits an e-mail
including fund transfer transaction information indicating that it
has received the replenish amount M by the fund transfer to the
bank account-C server 24.
[0164] At step S65, the bank account-C server 24 receives the
e-mail including the fund transfer transaction information from the
bank account-D server 15. The process then proceeds to step S66,
where the bank account-C server 24 transmits that e-mail to the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23.
[0165] At step S90, the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
receives the e-mail including the fund transfer transaction
information from the bank account-C server 24. The process then
proceeds to step S91, where the telecommunications carrier-A server
23 transmits that e-mail to the merchant's terminal 21 via the
Internet 22.
[0166] At step S112, the merchant's terminal 21 receives the e-mail
including the fund transfer transaction information from the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23. The process then proceeds
to step S113, where the merchant's terminal 21 displays the result
of the fund transfer of the replenish amount M of electronic money
(the result of the fund transfer instruction) on the basis of the
fund transfer transaction information.
[0167] The process in the communications system 1 shown in FIG. 2
for purchasing goods costing the purchase amount M' at the store Y
is now herein described with reference to a flow diagram in FIGS. 5
and 6.
[0168] At step S221, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
transmits, to the personal terminal 11 of the user X who has
subscribed various services provided by the telecommunications
carrier B, the personal terminal ID for identifying the personal
terminal 11 and the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.B for
identifying the telecommunications carrier B. At step S201, the
communications unit 44 of the personal terminal 11 receives this
information and stores it in the memory 45.
[0169] At step S281, the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
transmits, to the merchant's terminal 21 of the store Y who has
subscribed various services provided by the telecommunications
carrier A, the merchant's terminal ID for identifying the
merchant's terminal 21 and the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A
for identifying the telecommunications carrier A. At step S301, the
communications unit 54 of the merchant's terminal 21 receives this
information and stores it in the memory 55.
[0170] The processes at the above-described steps are executed in
advance when the user X and the store Y make an agreement on the
use of the various services with the telecommunications carrier B
and the telecommunications carrier A, respectively.
[0171] When the user X places the personal terminal 11 above the
NFC communications apparatus 21a of the merchant's terminal 21 at
the store Y in order to purchase goods costing a purchase amount
M', the personal terminal 11, at step S202, transmits the personal
terminal ID and the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.B to the
merchant's terminal 21 using Near Field Communication. At step
S302, the merchant's terminal 21 receives this information.
[0172] Additionally, at step S303, the merchant's terminal 21
transmits the merchant's terminal ID and the telecommunications
carrier ID.sub.A to the personal terminal 11 using Near Field
Communication. At step S203, the personal terminal 11 receives this
information. It is noted that either one of the process at steps
S202 and S302 and the process at steps S303 and S203 may be
executed first. Alternatively, both the processes may be executed
at the same time.
[0173] After the process at step S303 is completed, the merchant's
terminal 21, at step S304, generates a random number R.sub.Y. The
process then proceeds to step S305, where the merchant's terminal
21 transmits the generated random number R.sub.Y to the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23 via the Internet 22 in the
form of an e-mail including the personal terminal ID and the
telecommunications carrier ID.sub.B received at step S302 as a
destination.
[0174] At step S282, the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
receives the e-mail including the random number R.sub.Y from the
merchant's terminal 21. The process then proceeds to step S283,
where the telecommunications carrier-A server 23 appends the
personal terminal ID to the e-mail as a destination and transmits
the e-mail to the telecommunications carrier-B server 14 identified
by the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.B.
[0175] At step S222, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
receives the e-mail including the random number R.sub.Y from the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23. The process then proceeds
to step S223, where the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
transmits the e-mail to the personal terminal 11 identified by the
personal terminal ID via, for example, the telephone network
13.
[0176] At step S204, the personal terminal 11 receives the e-mail
including the random number R.sub.Y from the telecommunications
carrier-B server 14.
[0177] The user X inputs the purchase amount M' for the goods into
the data input and display unit 43 of the personal terminal 11. At
step S205, the personal terminal 11 receives the purchase amount M'
input by the user X and generates a random number R.sub.X.
[0178] At step S206, the personal terminal 11 transmits the
generated random number R.sub.X and the received purchase amount M'
to the telecommunications carrier-B server 14 via, for example, the
telephone network 13 in the form of an e-mail including the
merchant' terminal ID and the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A
received from the merchant's terminal 21 as a destination using
Near Field Communication.
[0179] At step S224, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
receives the e-mail including the random number R.sub.X and the
purchase amount M' from the personal terminal 11 and including the
merchant' terminal ID and the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A
as a destination. At step S225, the telecommunications carrier-B
server 14 requests the bank account-D server 15 to check the
balance in the account of the user X and determines whether a
sufficient amount of money (balance) to transfer (pay) the purchase
amount M' is available in the account of the user X. In addition,
at step S225, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14 makes an
arrangement to transfer the purchase amount M' with the bank
account-D server 15.
[0180] At step S241, the bank account-D server 15 accepts the
arrangement to transfer the purchase amount M' from the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14. The process then proceeds
to step S242, where the bank account-D server 15 transmits the fund
transfer arrangement information indicating that an arrangement to
transfer the purchase amount M' has been accepted to the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14 in the form of an
e-mail.
[0181] At step S226, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
receives the e-mail including the fund transfer arrangement
information from the bank account-D server 15. The process then
proceeds to step S227, where the telecommunications carrier-B
server 14 transmits the fund transfer arrangement information and
the random number R.sub.X to the telecommunications carrier-A
server 23 identified by the telecommunications carrier ID.sub.A in
the form of an e-mail including the merchant's terminal ID as a
destination.
[0182] At step S284, the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
receives the e-mail including the fund transfer arrangement
information and the random number R.sub.X from the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14. The process then proceeds
to step S285, where the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
transmits the e-mail to the merchant's terminal 21 identified by
the merchant's terminal ID via the Internet 22.
[0183] At step S306, the merchant's terminal 21 receives the e-mail
including the fund transfer arrangement information and the random
number R.sub.X from the telecommunications carrier-A server 23. The
process then proceeds to step S307, where the merchant's terminal
21 displays the confirmation of the purchase amount M' on the basis
of the fund transfer arrangement information.
[0184] Either the series of the processes at steps S304, S305,
S282, S283, S222, S223, and S204 or the series of the processes at
steps S205, S206, S224, S225, S241, S242, S226, S227, S284, S285,
S306, and S307 may be executed first. Also, both may be executed at
the same time. In other words, the personal terminal 11 can execute
the process at step S205 immediately after it executes the process
at step S203.
[0185] Furthermore, the store personnel may input the purchase
amount M' for the goods into the data input and display unit 53 of
the merchant's terminal 21. In this case, at step S305, the
purchase amount M' is transmitted to the personal terminal 11
together with the random number R.sub.Y generated by the merchant's
terminal 21 and is displayed on the data input and display unit 43
of the personal terminal 11. The user X then confirms the purchase
amount M'.
[0186] The store personnel confirms the purchase amount M'
displayed on the merchant's terminal 21 and requests the user X to
place the personal terminal 11 above the merchant's terminal 21
again.
[0187] In response to the request from the store personnel, the
user X places the personal terminal 11 above the NFC communications
apparatus 21a of the merchant's terminal 21. At that time, the
personal terminal 11 and the merchant's terminal 21 exchange the
random numbers R.sub.X and the random number R.sub.Y. That is, the
merchant's terminal 21, at step S308, transmits the random number
R.sub.X to the personal terminal 11 using Near Field Communication
while the personal terminal 11, at step S207, receives this random
number R.sub.X. Also, the personal terminal 11, at step S208,
transmits the random number R.sub.Y to the merchant's terminal 21
using Near Field Communication while the merchant's terminal 21, at
step S309, receives this random number R.sub.Y. Either one of the
process at steps S308 and S207 and the process at steps S208 and
S309 may be executed first. Alternatively, both the processes may
be executed at the same time.
[0188] After the process at step S208 is completed, the personal
terminal 11, at step S209, compares the random number received from
the merchant's terminal 21 by using Near Field Communication (i.e.,
the random number R.sub.X) with the random number R.sub.X generated
by itself (the random number generation unit 41) and transmitted to
the merchant's terminal 21 via a communication channel other than
the Near Field Communication channel. The personal terminal 11 then
displays the result of the comparison on the data input and display
unit 43.
[0189] After the process at step S309 is completed, the merchant's
terminal 21, at step S310, compares the random number received from
the personal terminal 11 using Near Field Communication (i.e., the
random number R.sub.Y) with the random number R.sub.Y generated by
itself (the random number generation unit 51) and transmitted to
the personal terminal 11 via a communication channel other than the
Near Field Communication. The merchant's terminal 21 then displays
the result of the comparison on the data input and display unit
53.
[0190] The user X confirms that these two random numbers R.sub.X
are equal, and subsequently, inputs, to the personal terminal 11,
an instruction to start a fund transfer of the purchase amount
M'.
[0191] At step S210, the personal terminal 11 receives the
instruction to start a fund transfer of the purchase amount M'. The
process then proceeds to step S211, where the personal terminal 11
transmits an e-mail including the instruction to start a fund
transfer of the purchase amount M' to the telecommunications
carrier-B server 14 via, for example, the telephone network 13.
[0192] At step S228, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
receives the e-mail including the instruction to start a fund
transfer of the purchase amount M' from the personal terminal 11.
The process then proceeds to step S229, where the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14 transmits the e-mail to the
bank account-D server 15.
[0193] At step S243, the bank account-D server 15 receives the
e-mail including the fund transfer instruction from the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14. At step S244, in response
to the fund transfer instruction, the bank account-D server 15
transfers the purchase amount M' from the account of the user X to
the account of the store Y in the bank account-C server 24.
[0194] At step S261, the bank account-C server 24 accepts the fund
transfer of the purchase amount M' from the bank account-D server
15. The process then proceeds to step S262, where the bank
account-C server 24 replenishes the account of the store Y with the
purchase amount M' of electronic money.
[0195] At step S263, the bank account-C server 24 transmits, to the
bank account-D server 15, an e-mail including fund transfer
transaction information indicating that the purchase amount M' has
been correctly received.
[0196] At step S245, the bank account-D server 15 receives the
e-mail including the fund transfer transaction information from the
bank account-C server 24. The process then proceeds to step S246,
where the bank account-D server 15 transmits the e-mail to the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14.
[0197] At step S230, the telecommunications carrier-B server 14
receives the e-mail including the fund transfer transaction
information from the bank account-D server 15. The process then
proceeds to step S231, where the telecommunications carrier-B
server 14 transmits the e-mail to the personal terminal 11 via, for
example, the telephone network 13.
[0198] At step S212, the personal terminal 11 receives the e-mail
including the fund transfer transaction information from the
telecommunications carrier-B server 14. The process then proceeds
to step S213, where the personal terminal 11 displays the result of
the payment (the result of the fund transfer instruction) of the
purchase amount M' of electronic money on the basis of the fund
transfer transaction information.
[0199] Additionally, after the process at step S263 is completed,
the bank account-C server 24, at step S264, transmits an e-mail
including replenishment transaction information indicating that it
has correctly replenished the account of the store Y with the
purchase amount M' to the telecommunications carrier-A server
23.
[0200] At step S286, the telecommunications carrier-A server 23
receives the e-mail including the replenishment transaction
information from the bank account-C server 24. The process then
proceeds to step S287, where the telecommunications carrier-A
server 23 transmits that e-mail to the merchant's terminal 21 via
the Internet 22.
[0201] At step S311, the merchant's terminal 21 receives the e-mail
including the replenishment transaction information from the
telecommunications carrier-A server 23. The process then proceeds
to step S312, where the merchant's terminal 21 displays the balance
in the account of the store Y in the bank C on the basis of the
replenishment transaction information.
[0202] As described above, according to the communications system 1
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the personal terminal 11 of the user X
transmits an internally generated random number R.sub.X to the
merchant's terminal 21 via the telecommunications carrier B to
which the user X has subscribed and receives a random number from
the merchant's terminal 21 using Near Field Communication. The
personal terminal 11 then checks the authenticity of the merchant's
terminal 21 (gives authenticity to the merchant's terminal 21) by
determining whether the received random number is equal to the
random number R.sub.X transmitted to the merchant's terminal 21 via
the telecommunications carrier B. Additionally, the merchant's
terminal 21 at the store Y transmits an internally generated random
number R.sub.Y to the personal terminal 11 via the
telecommunications carrier A to which the store Y has subscribed
and receives a random number from the personal terminal 11 using
Near Field Communication. The merchant's terminal 21 then checks
the authenticity of the personal terminal 11 (gives authenticity to
the personal terminal 11) by determining whether the received
random number is equal to the random number R.sub.Y transmitted to
the merchant's terminal 21 via the telecommunications carrier A.
Accordingly, the random numbers R.sub.X and R.sub.Y (transmission
messages) can be considered to be passwords effective for only one
trade.
[0203] Accordingly, a card need not store critical information,
such as a private key to give authenticity. Furthermore, the need
for the card can be eliminated. Even when a card is held by a user
and is replaced with a new one, moving the data stored on the card
or conversion of electronic money (value) stored on the card to
cash is not necessary since critical information and electronic
money are not stored on the card. Also, when the user X replaces
the personal terminal 11 with a new one, moving the data stored on
the personal terminal 11 or conversion of electronic money (value)
stored on the personal terminal 11 to cash is not necessary.
[0204] Furthermore, according to the communications system 1 shown
in FIG. 1, when the user X replenishes his or her own bank account
with a replenish amount M of electronic money at the store Y, it is
determined whether a sufficient amount (balance) to cover the
replenish amount M to be transferred (or to be paid) is available
in the account of the store Y in the bank account-C server 24
before transmitting a find transfer instruction that instructs the
bank account-C server 24 to transfer the replenish amount M to the
bank account-D server 15 having the account of the user X. In
addition, when the user X purchases goods costing the purchase
amount M' at the store Y, it is determined whether a sufficient
amount (balance) to pay the purchase amount M' is available in the
account of the user X in the bank account-D server 15 before
transmitting a find transfer instruction that instructs the bank
account-D server 15 to transfer the purchase amount M' to the bank
account-C server 24.
[0205] Accordingly, since each of the user X and the store Y can
trade while checking the settlement ability (i.e., balance of the
account) of the trading partner, safe trade can be made. For
example, the store Y can prevent a user having no balance from
purchasing goods.
[0206] Still furthermore, according to the communications system 1
shown in FIG. 1, since a fund transfer appointment (fund transfer
arrangement information) is separated from a fund transfer
instruction, refund of a replenish amount M or a purchase amount M'
becomes available.
[0207] In addition, when electronic money in a bank account is
transferred, a terminal notifies (displays) that information to the
user. This prevents electronic money in the bank account from being
manipulated while the owner of the bank account is unaware.
[0208] As described above, according to the communications system 1
shown in FIG. 1, a problem caused by a known card that stores
critical information, such as a private key, can be solved.
[0209] In the above-described embodiment, if the telecommunications
carrier B to which the user X has subscribed is equal to the
telecommunications carrier A to which the store Y has subscribed,
the need for the communication between the telecommunications
carrier B and the telecommunications carrier A can be eliminated.
Also, if the bank D (the bank account server 15) having the bank
account of the user X is equal to the bank C (the bank account
server 24) having the bank account of the store Y, the need for the
communication between the banks D and C is eliminated.
[0210] Additionally, in the communications system 1 shown in FIG.
1, if, for example, the NFC communications apparatus 21a at the
store Y should process a settlement in high speed as in the case
where ticket fare is settled with electronic money in an automatic
gate at a railway station, the following process can be
provided.
[0211] That is, before the user X goes through an automatic gate,
the user X makes an arrangement of a fund transfer for the desired
ticket fare with the store Y and receives an appointment number
corresponding to the appointment from the store Y. Subsequently,
when the user X goes through the automatic ticket gate (the NFC
communications apparatus 21a of the merchant's terminal 21), the
personal terminal 11 transmits the arrangement number to the
merchant's terminal 21 using Near Field Communication. The
merchant's terminal 21 checks the credibility of the information
from the received appointment number and transmits a key (exit key)
required for the user X to go through an automatic exit ticket gate
to the personal terminal 11.
[0212] At the automatic exit ticket gate, the personal terminal 11
of the user X transmits the received exit key to the merchant's
terminal 21 using Near Field Communication. Upon receiving the exit
key, the automatic ticket gate (the merchant's terminal 21) opens
the gate to allow the user X to exit. Subsequently, the merchant's
terminal 21 computes the actual ticket fare for the user X from
information about the exit key and requests the personal terminal
11 to transfer a fund for the ticket fare.
[0213] The above-described series of processes can be executed by
either dedicated hardware or software. When the above-described
series of processes is executed by software, the program forming
the software is installed in a recording medium, such as a memory,
of an apparatus (terminal).
[0214] In the present specification, the steps that describe the
program stored on the recording medium include not only processes
executed in the above-described sequence, but also processes that
may be executed in parallel or independently.
[0215] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its
intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *